International Women’s Day races bring change across the globe, Canadian Running Magazine

Today is International Women’s Day and that’s something taken seriously among runners across the globe. The running community itself has seen many incredible moments from female runners down through the decades. For feminist runners, the name Kathrine Switzer is one of the most powerful names in running. Switzer became the first woman to race Boston in 1967. She registered under “KV Switzer” rather than Kathrine and ran despite the “men’s only” rules. She even defied the race director when he tried to remove her from the course. But those who run for women today aren’t just celebrating female racing history. Many are using it to better the situation’s of women across the world. Here are some amazing things that runners across the world did today for International Women’s Day:

261 WM Women’s Marathon & 10K

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Women who raced in Spain today honored KV Switzer by naming the run after her 1967 Boston bib number. Finishers get a gift when crossing the finish and winners get invited to be guests at next year’s event. This is a race that celebrates women’s right to be a part of the marathon scene and of course, it’s a big thank-you to Switzer. Check out the video below to hear her words to runners….

Kathrine Switzer with a mile to go in the difficult Motatapu Off-Road Marathon, in the South Island of New Zealand. 2010.

Who is Kathrine Switzer?

Iconic athlete, sports and social advocate, author, and Emmy award-winning television commentator, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon. She has been honored widely for her achievements, most recently being inducted into the USA National Women’s Hall of Fame for creating positive social change. The ramifications of this work is both joyful and profound, changing forever the face of sports, health, and opportunities for women around the world and fearlessly empowering millions beyond the finish line, especially through the non-profit “261® Fearless, Inc.”